Why refresh now? 

1. Family visits & holiday events – First impressions matter. Updated furniture transforms lobbies, dining rooms, and gathering areas into welcoming spaces for visitors.
2. Maximize your 2025 budget – Use remaining funds on high-impact updates before year-end. 
3. Start the new year strong – Quick refreshes create a positive tone for residents and staff heading into 2026. 

Room-by-room inspiration: Holiday-ready spaces

Tips for a holiday-ready lobby 

• Walk through your lobby as a guest would and identify the furniture that looks most worn or outdated and prioritize those updates. 
• Arrange seating into cozy, conversational clusters where families can comfortably connect. 
• Use accent tables or consoles to add both convenience and design interest. 
• Choose finishes and upholstery in warm neutrals or wood tones for a timeless, holiday-ready look. 
• Always balance design with accessibility, ensuring pathways and seating options support residents’ mobility needs. 

Dining spaces: Celebrate in style 

The dining room is the heart of holiday gatherings — and one of the most photographed spaces. A refreshed, inviting dining area creates lasting impressions. 

Quick-Ship solutions 

• Tables that work for every occasion: Round tables create intimacy, while rectangular setups support larger gatherings. Mixing formats allows your staff to flex the space depending on the event. 
• Chairs that combine comfort and durability: Upholstered chairs with easy-to-clean fabrics balance style with practicality, keeping residents and visitors comfortable during long meals. The Direct Supply® Quick-Ship dining program offers both wood and faux-wood metal dining chair frame options, putting the power of choice in your hands. You shouldn’t have to compromise on quality when ordering furniture on a tight timeline. 
• Finishes that fit the season: Warm-toned woods or sleek, neutral laminates provide a timeless backdrop that feels festive without requiring seasonal décor. 

Tips for dining updates

• Identify worn pieces: Start by replacing the furniture that shows the most wear — it will instantly elevate the room’s appearance. 
• Maximize flow: Arrange furniture to allow smooth traffic patterns for staff, residents, and visiting families. 
• Create gathering zones: Designate areas for small family meals and larger community events, using flexible furniture arrangements. 
• Don’t forget accessibility: Choose seating and tables that prioritize resident mobility, ensuring comfort and safety for all. 

Tips for walkway refreshes

• Think safety first: Ensure seating and tables are appropriately sized so they don’t block hallways or interfere with mobility equipment. 
• Add comfort where it counts: Place seating near elevators or at corridor intersections where residents naturally pause. 
• Create visual flow: Choose furniture finishes that coordinate with your lobby and dining areas, tying your design together from entry to elevator. 
• Update high-wear pieces: Replace worn benches or outdated chairs with Quick-Ship solutions that ship in 15–20 business days. 
• Blend style & functionality: Opt for senior-designed furniture that provides sturdy support while enhancing aesthetics. 

Artwork: Add personality and warmth 

Direct Supply offers a variety of Quick-Ship artwork options designed for senior living communities, making it easy to update walls before the holiday season. 

Quick-Ship solutions 

• Framed prints & photography: Timeless imagery in warm tones that complement Quick-Ship furniture finishes. 
• Coordinated collections: Curated sets of artwork to create cohesive design themes across lobbies, dining spaces, and corridors. 
• Durable materials: Senior living–grade framing and finishes designed for long-lasting beauty and easy maintenance. 
• Flexible sizing: Large-scale pieces to make a bold statement in lobbies, or smaller works to enhance walkways and elevator areas. 

Tips for artwork updates 

• Choose warm & inviting tones: Select artwork with rich, warm hues to subtly enhance the holiday atmosphere without feeling overly seasonal. 
• Think scale: In larger areas like lobbies, oversized art can serve as a focal point. In hallways, opt for a series of smaller pieces to guide residents and guests through the space. 
• Complement your furniture: Match artwork tones to Quick-Ship upholstery or finish selections for a polished, cohesive look. 
• Update high-visibility walls: Prioritize walls behind reception desks, in dining rooms, or adjacent to elevators where artwork gets the most views. 
• Keep it timeless: Select art that feels festive now but maintains appeal throughout the year, avoiding designs that feel tied to a single season. 

Your holiday refresh checklist 

• Focus on high-impact spaces – Start with lobbies, dining rooms, and walkways. 
• Replace worn pieces – Prioritize seating and tables most visible to families. 
• Layer in artwork – Add warm, inviting visuals to complete the look. 
• Keep finishes cohesive – Choose coordinating options across spaces. 
• Order early – Quick-Ship products typically ship in 15–20 business days, ensuring updates are in place before the first guest arrives. 

What is experiential design in senior living?

Experiential design in senior living goes beyond aesthetics. It focuses on how a space feels, how it flows and how it supports physical, emotional and cognitive health. It’s a strategic approach that:

• Encourages physical activity and cognitive stimulation
• Supports autonomy, comfort and daily routines
• Uses sensory cues — light, texture, sound and biophilia — to enhance well-being

For baby boomers, who expect more from retirement living, experiential design is a key differentiator.

Wellness design ideas for senior living communities in 2025

Today’s wellness spaces are immersive and multi-functional. They’re designed to engage body, mind and spirit — not just provide services.

Plan for holistic wellness

Use your community’s mission and resident needs to guide amenity choices:

• Independent living: Tai Chi, yoga or Pilates studios
• Memory care: Sensory rooms, art therapy or podiatry clinics
• Across the board: Natural light, air quality and acoustic design for comfort

Offer amenities that support active senior lifestyles

Design multi-use spaces that promote engagement, movement and enrichment:

• Game rooms and music studios
• Garden courtyards and greenhouses
• Tech lounges and libraries
• Meditation or mindfulness spaces

In-room wellness tip: Replace unused desks with personal fitness nooks to encourage daily movement.

Create sensory, interactive senior dining experiences

Dining is a core part of community life. Experiential design can elevate the experience:

• Resident-accessible kitchens allow seniors to participate in meal prep — blending, chopping and baking
• Outdoor dining areas connect residents with nature, improving mood and cognition

These features promote independence, connection and a sense of purpose.

Integrate smart wellness technology in senior living design

Forward-thinking communities are using technology to improve both care and quality of life:

• Connected health monitoring for safety and transparency
• Medication reminders and alerts for better adherence
• Smart lighting and climate controls for comfort and energy efficiency
• Robotics in dining and floor care to boost engagement and streamline operations

At Direct Supply^®, our Innovation & Technology Center is where we test these ideas to help communities stay ahead.

Why experiential design matters for the future of senior living

Done right, experiential design can transform your community’s identity and performance. It helps:

• Increase resident satisfaction and longevity
• Attract new, active older adults
• Differentiate your community in a competitive market

1. Use calming color palettes and layered lighting

Color and lighting decisions impact not only how residents feel but also how safely they can move through a space. Choosing calming, biophilic tones like soft terracotta, sandy neutrals, coastal blues, and leafy greens helps create a restorative environment that reduces agitation while maintaining a professional, long-lasting finish that requires minimal upkeep.

In memory care, avoid very dark flooring, which may appear like holes or unsafe areas to residents with cognitive impairment and increase fall risk. Instead, use clear contrast between walls, floors, and furniture to define boundaries and support safe navigation. For example, pair neutral walls with slightly darker casegoods, or select light bedding against a darker bedframe to make furniture edges more visible.

Layering lighting— ambient, task, and night— offers flexibility while reducing unnecessary staff interventions. Well-placed fixtures and durable materials minimize maintenance while providing consistent performance. Circadian lighting systems that mimic natural daylight cycles not only enhance resident sleep but also extend fixture longevity by operating efficiently.

Tip: Add motion-activated nightlights near the bed or pathway to the bathroom. These simple upgrades support safety without disrupting rest and can reduce the number of nighttime staff interactions. 

2. Optimize layouts for safety, privacy, and care delivery

A clear, adaptable layout enables safer navigation and more effective care¹. Private rooms remain the gold standard, as they support dignity, autonomy, and infection control (CMS, 2022). These spaces allow residents to set their own routines and offer family members greater flexibility in visits and personalization.

When private rooms aren’t possible, define individual zones with partial walls, furniture groupings, or curtains to help provide a sense of ownership and spatial boundaries. Layouts should prioritize mobility by maintaining wide, clutter-free pathways (with a minimum turning radius of 5’-7’ and 36″ doorways), using slip-resistant flooring, and eliminating tripping hazards such as cords and loose rugs.

Choose furnishings designed to minimize risk and extend product life. Low-profile beds and rounded-corner furniture improve resident safety by reducing trip hazards and injuries from sharp edges. Built-in cable management systems keep cords organized and out of pathways, lowering the likelihood of accidents and extending product longevity.

Plan for both current and future mobility needs by leaving ample clearance around the bed for lifts, walkers, or wheelchairs. These considerations not only keep residents safe but also ease daily upkeep for staff, reducing the frequency of room repairs and interventions.

Tip: Flexible room designs allow you to plan for evolving care needs and future equipment, supporting aging in place while helping communities avoid costly renovations later

3. Create model rooms that drive ROI on unit turns

Model rooms are more than just a marketing tool — they’re an operational strategy that accelerates move-in readiness and directly impacts Net Operating Income (NOI). On average, unit turns take 22 hours and involve at least three team members. By pre-staging model rooms with durable furnishings, secure accessories, and consistent design standards, operators can cut downtime, reduce labor costs, and convert vacant units into income-generating spaces faster.

Standardized, homelike design also reduces variability in upkeep. Easy-to-clean surfaces, durable fabrics, and secured décor minimize repair calls and streamline maintenance, lowering long-term operating costs. At the same time, thoughtfully curated finishes create a welcoming environment that resonates with prospects and supports faster lease-ups.

Tip for ROI: Use model rooms as templates to streamline procurement and turnover protocols. This consistency not only reduces vacancy loss but also positions communities to stabilize occupancy and maximize returns across every unit turn.

4. Integrate smart technology for safety and convenience

Smart tools, such as voice-activated lighting, thermostats, and call systems help residents manage their environment independently. These systems support routines, provide reminders, and increase comfort by reducing reliance on staff for everyday tasks. AI-enabled sensors enhance fall detection while preserving privacy and promoting peace of mind for care teams and families.

Design for both the technology itself and the people using it. Ensure strong Wi-Fi coverage and provide rooms with tech-ready outlets, USB ports, and easy-to-reach controls. Consider compatibility with accessories like smart plugs or wearable health monitors.

Beyond safety and utility, technology can enhance engagement. Smart TVs, tablets, and video call capabilities help residents stay connected with loved ones and participate in community events. These technologies also support mental stimulation through games, music, and learning apps.

Tip: Prioritize simplicity with large, intuitive icons, precise controls, and concise labeling. Offering training and ongoing support builds confidence and increases tech adoption.

5. Select durable, senior-friendly furnishings

Furniture in resident rooms must balance style, comfort, and safety with long-term durability. Chairs with tipping precautions—such as the Maxwell Thomas® SteadyTech™ anti-tip device—reduce fall risks and liability without sacrificing aesthetics. Recliners with proper seat height (18″–21″), supportive arms, and tip-resistant bases make transfers safer for residents and staff alike.

Beds should be adjustable in height with residential surrounds, allowing for both safer caregiving tasks and a more welcoming, homelike appearance. Coordinated headboards and bedding prevent the room from feeling clinical, while casters with secure locks and discreet storage for fall mats or care tools add both safety and functionality. 

 Looking for more senior living furnishing tips? Download our senior living furniture guide.

6. Choose long-lasting, low-maintenance materials

Materials directly impact upkeep, infection control, and resident safety. Casegoods constructed with thermolaminate or high-pressure laminate resist moisture and harsh cleaning agents, extending product life. Coated fabrics and antimicrobial finishes minimize infection risk while standing up to frequent cleaning.

Design choices should also prioritize maintenance efficiency. Minimal seams, durable coatings, and wipeable surfaces help staff maintain cleanliness quickly and effectively, while still providing soft textures and modern design that elevate the overall look and feel of the space.

Tip: When selecting casegoods, look for drawer glides and hinges that can withstand repeated use and disinfection cycles. Small details, such as edge banding and hardware durability, can make a significant difference in long-term performance.

6. The bottom line: Bringing it all together

Every detail in a resident’s room should contribute to comfort, independence, and safety. From calming palettes and personalized touches to bright lighting and future-ready furnishings, thoughtful design makes a measurable impact on care delivery and resident satisfaction.

A well-designed room doesn’t just feel like home. It improves outcomes, reduces incidents, and helps your community stand out.

Ready to enhance your resident rooms? Contact your Direct Supply account manager today to get started on personalized solutions that promote safety, comfort, and long-term value.

References:
¹ CMS, 2022

Inpatient psychiatric care – prioritizing safety and compliance 

Inpatient psychiatric care delivers the most intensive level of support, with 24/7 clinical oversight in secure environments. Every design choice should focus on behavioral safety and meeting JCAHO behavioral health standards to protect individuals receiving care and the care team. 

Patient rooms at this level benefit from ligature resistant products, tamper-proof behavioral health beds, and durable mental health furniture designed to reduce self-harm risks. Shatter-resistant fixtures and easy-to-clean surfaces support infection control, while meeting behavioral health furniture requirements ensures long-term safety and performance. 

Incorporating trauma informed design principles, such as calming color palettes, controlled acoustics, natural light, and clear sightlines, creates an environment that feels safe without feeling institutional. This combination of behavioral health construction standards and healing by design strategies can enhance both safety and recovery. 

Residential treatment – balancing comfort and control 

Residential treatment provides structured care in a less restrictive setting than inpatient programs. Often part of behavioral assisted living or behavioral health assisted living communities, these environments must feel both safe and welcoming.  

Access to nature plays an important role in recovery. Gardens, courtyards, and walking paths are powerful tools in a healing environment, supporting emotional well-being and independence. Combining behavioral health design guide standards with personalized touches can make residential programs more effective and restorative. 

Partial hospitalization and day programs – designing for flexibility 

Partial hospitalization and day programs (PHPs) offer structured, intensive therapy during the day while allowing individuals to return home in the evening. These settings require behavioral health facility design that supports a range of activities, from large group sessions to one-on-one therapy. 

Spaces must be adaptable. Rooms that can quickly transition from group discussions to private consultations improve efficiency and comfort. Incorporating healing spaces like sensory rooms, mindfulness areas, and art studios supports varied therapeutic approaches. Natural light, noise control, and visual privacy contribute to a trauma informed environment that helps individuals feel safe and respected. 

Because many PHPs operate in adaptive reuse projects, design must address safety retrofits, accessibility, and code compliance. Done well, these reimagined spaces can align with modern psychiatric hospital design trends while maintaining cost efficiency. 

Outpatient care – creating community-based healing spaces 

Outpatient care is the least restrictive level of psychiatric support and often serves as a step-down from higher levels or an entry point for individuals seeking help. These services are frequently located in adaptive reuse projects, such as renovated retail or office spaces transformed into behavioral health clinics. 

Design at this level should make care approachable and stigma-free. Mental health interior design should focus on comfort and accessibility, while integrating discreet behavioral safety features and secure mental health furniture. Warm colors, natural elements, and intuitive wayfinding all help create a trauma informed environment that welcomes individuals into care. 

Because outpatient programs rely on community integration, public-facing spaces like lobbies should feel open and inviting. Adding healing spaces such as quiet rooms or group lounges reinforces the idea that behavioral health care is collaborative, empowering, and built around individual needs. 

For senior living operators across the U.S., the end of the year often comes with tough choices. CapEx spend down season can feel like a race against the clock. Budgets don’t roll over, timelines are compressed, and you’re balancing community needs with day-to-day operations. 

To help operators navigate these challenges, we asked Austin Higgins, Capital Sales Consultant at Direct Supply, to answer the most common questions about senior living capital projects during spend down. His guidance focuses on practical, customer-centered strategies to maximize budget, improve outcomes, and position communities for long-term success. 

My CapEx dollars are sitting unused, and I feel paralyzed by where to start. What should I do first? 

You’re not alone. Many operators feel that way when the clock is ticking. The best first step is simply starting the conversation. Even if your project is only in the idea stage, we can help you weigh priorities- whether it’s compliance upgrades, resident safety, or refreshing common areas. Early conversations give us time to align goals and unlock more options for you. 

It’s already late in the year. Is it even possible to complete a project before my budget disappears? 

Absolutely. Tight timelines are stressful, but they don’t have to mean missed opportunities. We manage fast-turnaround senior living projects every year, often under even tougher deadlines. For example, one operator came to us in mid-December with leftover budget. Within two weeks, we aligned on scope, overnighted fabric samples, finalized selections, and placed their order—all before year-end. 

The difference is having the right partner. Because we complete 50,000+ senior living projects annually and maintain deep relationships with key suppliers, we can accelerate timelines and unlock options that might not be available otherwise. Even late in the year, you can make meaningful improvements if you act quickly and lean on that network. 

I’m juggling multiple priorities. How do I decide which projects deserve my budget right now? 

Start with impact. Projects tied to resident safety or compliance should rise to the top. After that, look at what will deliver the most value, whether that’s operational efficiency, ROI, or a stronger first impression for families touring your community. Sometimes we’ll recommend phasing a project so you can act now without straining your budget or operations. Prioritization ensures your CapEx spend improves outcomes where it matters most. 

I’m debating choosing cheaper products just to save time or money. What’s the risk? 

The risk is that short-term savings can create long-term headaches. For example, choosing residential-grade furniture because it’s immediately available may seem convenient, but it won’t hold up in a senior living environment. That often means paying for replacements within a year or two, costing more in the end. We help operators choose durable, compliant products built for senior care, so you avoid rework, wasted spend, and disruption for your residents. 

Need furniture that will ship quickly? Discover Direct Supply’s quick-ship program, which ships curated furniture in 20 days or less: Perfect for year-end CapEx spend down.

Some of the upgrades I need have long lead times. What if I don’t have that kind of flexibility? 

That’s a valid concern. Standard lead times for major systems, like nurse call replacements, have a reputation for stretching six to eight weeks. But because of our strong vendor partnerships, we’ve often delivered emergency installations in as little as a week. It’s always worth asking—we may be able to accelerate timelines or find creative alternatives, so you don’t miss your spend down window. 

With so many needs, how do I know I’m making a smart investment? 

A smart CapEx investment should deliver value now and in the future. Recently, an operator we work with completed four furniture projects under budget in six weeks. They not only saved money but also moved closer to their annual rebate payout, adding even more financial value. When evaluating projects, consider both the immediate impact on your community and the long-term ROI. 

If I call you today, what will the process actually look like? 

We’ll start with a quick discovery call to understand your goals, budget, and timing. From there, we’ll confirm availability, secure pricing, and align on next steps. Once approved, we’ll manage procurement, warehousing, shipping, and installation. You’ll have one point of contact and full visibility from start to finish.

Bottom line 

CapEx spend down season doesn’t have to feel overwhelming. Even if you’re behind, it’s not too late to act. By starting early, prioritizing impact, and choosing solutions designed for senior living, you can stretch your budget further and make improvements that benefit both residents and staff.  

Don’t let your budget go unused.

Start the conversation with our capital experts today and discover how to maximize every dollar before year-end.

A senior living bistro is your community’s welcome mat

Create a space that works as hard as your team. With one set of equipment, your bistro can start the day as a cozy coffee bar and seamlessly transition into a wine bar or pub by evening. This adaptability maximizes your investment and keeps your community engaged.

Infuse personality with thoughtful design details. Rustic finishes like natural wood and brick add warmth and longevity, while evening themes — from sports décor to speakeasy style — invite gatherings. Use zoning strategies to define café, lounge, and bar areas. Pair flexible furniture with lighting shifts to guide residents and guests intuitively, from morning coffee to evening connections.

Key considerations when planning a senior living bistro in your community

1. Versatile layout and design

Design your bistro to adapt throughout the day. With one set of equipment, the space can transition from a cozy coffee bar in the morning to a wine bar or pub in the evening. This day-to-night flexibility maximizes your investment and increases engagement.

Infuse personality and visual interest with: 

• Pub atmosphere: Local sports décor or speakeasy themes invite evening gatherings. 

• Rustic touches: Natural materials like wood and brick bring warmth and longevity. 

• Consider zoning: Create distinct café, lounge, and bar areas with flexible furniture or lighting shifts. These subtle cues guide residents and guests to intuitively enjoy the space at different times of day — from morning coffee to evening gatherings. 

For inspiration, look to current senior dining trends or local landmarks to create a distinctive and inviting space.

2. Strategic location and accessibility

A bistro’s placement influences its success. Prioritize convenience and visibility to boost use and satisfaction:

• Outdoor connection: Position near patios or courtyards to encourage fresh-air dining and indoor-outdoor flow. 
• Central access: Locate near reception or staff hubs to simplify staffing, support residents with mobility challenges, and streamline service. 
• Community integration: Offer limited public access to nearby offices or medical campuses to generate ancillary revenue and reinforce your community as a neighborhood asset. 

3. Expand dining program flexibility with bistro equipment 

Modern bistro dining boosts your senior living foodservice with compact, efficient tools. Think beyond the kitchen:

• Ventless ovens and soup warmers allow for warm meals without full kitchen installs
• Grab-and-go refrigeration, POS systems, and menu boards improve service speed and convenience
• POS integration: Connect to your main kitchen’s point-of-sale system to offer made-to-order items without duplicating equipment.
• Digital menus: Electronic boards replace handwritten signs for effortless updates—perfect for weekly specials or themed events. 
• Barista-level coffee: Invest in high-quality machines or partner with a recognized brand to elevate the coffee experience and drive beverage revenue.

Balance variety and simplicity. A concise menu of three to five signature sandwiches, two soup options, and rotating pastries keeps costs manageable while satisfying diverse tastes.

4. Strengthen community ties and drive visibility

A bistro is more than a place to eat; it’s a hub for social programming. Encourage your life enrichment team to host: 

• Coffee chats: Themed discussions (current events, travel memories, creative writing) that foster connection. 

• Book clubs: Pair with light refreshments and comfortable seating for a relaxed literary setting. 

• Game nights: Card games, board games, or trivia nights encourage friendly competition and laughter. 

• Craft workshops: Small-group sessions such as cookie decorating, tasting flights, or wine-and-cheese pairings. 

These programs support both social and cognitive engagement, reinforcing resident well-being and enhancing the perceived value of your community. 

Case study: Foulk Living bistro remodel 

Foulk’s dining room before & after renovation

In 2024, Life Care Services partnered with Direct Supply Aptura to remodel the Foulk Living bistro in Wilmington, DE. The goal was to create a vibrant, multi-purpose lounge that aligned with LCS’s hospitality-focused vision. 

Changes made: Bold artwork, lively fabrics, and a modular layout allowed the space to shift from morning coffee shop to evening wine bar. A large bar with a big-screen TV now anchors the area for casual lunches, happy hours, and game nights. 

Results: The redesign of Foulk’s bistro earned a bronze American Society of Interior Design award in the specialty category. Resident satisfaction scores rose by 25 percent, and occupancy neared 100 percent within six months of opening. ³ Families returned more often, and staff reported higher morale thanks to the efficient, welcoming environment. 

Foulk’s bistro after renovation

Budgeting and ROI considerations 

When budgeting your bistro project, include costs for:

• Professional service fees and required permits (architects, engineers, designers)
• Equipment purchases or lease (coffee machines, ovens, display cases)
• Furniture, fixtures, and décor
• Technology (POS system, digital signage)
• Staff training and program development

Estimate a return on investment by projecting beverage and snack sales, catering for events, and potential public-access revenue. Most communities see payback on a modest bistro remodel within a reasonable timeframe, through increased occupancy and ancillary income. 

The bottom line

Bistros offer more than coffee. They create connections, boost resident satisfaction, and elevate your community’s marketability. When designed for adaptability, strategic placement, and efficient operations, they become high-impact spaces that support resident engagement, census growth, and positive brand reputation. 

Ready to transform your community? Contact Direct Supply’s senior living design experts today to plan a bistro that delivers lasting value, enhances daily life, and sets your community apart. 

Why baby boomers aren’t moving in 

For decades, the industry has anticipated the arrival of baby boomers. And many communities are still waiting. COVID-19, rising construction costs, labor challenges and interest rates present real barriers, but the deeper issue remains clear: 

Baby boomers aren’t satisfied with what’s currently being offered. 

Boomers, and Generation X ,are redefining aging. They don’t view senior housing as a last resort. Instead, they seek vibrant lifestyles with meaningful experiences. If we as an industry keep building and designing for what worked for generations past, we risk alienating a generation that thinks differently. Instead, we need to value what our new audience values: independence and aspirational living. 

Moving from need-based to aspirational living 

Historically, seniors have transitioned into senior housing following a crisis: a health event, isolation, or loss of support. But what if we flipped that model? What if seniors chose to enter communities earlier, healthier, and enthusiastic about their future? 

This requires rethinking our value proposition as an industry. Instead of marketing communities as safe havens, present them as places for growth, where discreet technology supports proactive care, individuals pursue their passions, and personalized wellness plans promote health span, not just lifespan. 

 “People deserve dignity as they age. We need to shift the narrative.”

– Gaurie Rodman (Vice President – Real Estate Strategy and Development)

Designing communities for wellness and joy 

From culinary experiences to virtual travel and social engagement, expectations for senior housing are higher than ever. Communities must evolve beyond simply providing care. They need to become cultural hubs, wellness centers, and social connectors that focus on holistic wellness, including: 

• Effective, discreet physical health support 
• Emotional wellness through meaningful social connection 
• Cognitive engagement through purposeful activities 
• Purpose-driven opportunities to inspire individuals daily 

All of this must be integrated into environments that don’t feel like “nursing homes” of the past. Human-centric design should be intuitive, inclusive, and dignified, reflecting the lifestyle baby boomers want. 

“It doesn’t have to be the Taj Mahal of the world, but we can take the 40-year-old building in the heart of a community and actually looking at it with the right lens, transform it to serve the community that it’s trying to serve.” 

Leveraging technology and innovation to meet shifting needs 

To meet evolving consumer expectations while addressing operational and staffing challenges, operators must lean into technology, innovation, robotics, and AI. Embedded, invisible healthcare systems, predictive monitoring, and digital engagement tools can preserve dignity while proactively supporting health. Robotics and automation can help ease staffing pressures, while AI can anticipate resident needs and connect them with services, experiences, and community members in real time. 

“We need to make sure all the pillars, including health, wellness, affinity-based living, and meaningful experiences, align in the same community. Embedded technology and invisible healthcare should be the standard and a given in creating vibrant, purposeful living.” 

This approach not only enhances the resident experience but also enables the development of consumer-aligned, affordable housing models, ensuring communities remain accessible and competitive in a changing market. 

Time for a new narrative 

By listening deeply, designing with empathy, and building with purpose, we can create remarkable communities accessible at every income level. This new generation wants environments that feel like home and honor both independence and community. 

The future of senior care depends on operators reframing the approach to human-centric design. That future begins today. The most successful operators will lean into their community’s unique strengths to transform operating models, meeting consumers where they are and delivering what they truly value. 

Are you struggling with declining NOI, outdated facilities, or compliance headaches?

Senior living communities nationwide are facing similar pressures. That’s why Direct Supply® developed The NOI Equation: Creating the Best Spaces for Aging, a data-driven playbook and expert-led webinar designed to turn common pain points into measurable gains.

Built on extensive research and anonymized insights from leading industry platforms, including the TELS® Platform, CMS, NIC, Care.com, and A Place for Mom, The NOI Equation identifies proven design and operational strategies to drive results.

Through the paper and webinar, gain practical insights, real-world case studies, and proven strategies that empower you to:

• Get units move-in ready faster
• Increase revenue with certified beds
• Boost retention through engaging spaces
• Cut costs with energy efficiency and innovative technology
• Maintain pricing power through stronger compliance

Whether you’re an operator, developer, community leader, or designer, you’ll gain tools to improve resident satisfaction, streamline operations, and strengthen financial performance.

Don’t miss out! Unlock the strategies to drive higher NOI today.

The essentials of JCAHO behavioral health accreditation 

The Joint Commission evaluates behavioral health programs against rigorous criteria that promote patient safety, quality improvement, and regulatory compliance. Key focus areas include: 

• Environment of care: ensure ligature risks are removed, exits stay secure, and approved ligature resistant products are in place
• Safety and security: deploy behavioral safety products such as break-resistant fixtures and tamper-proof hardware
• Patient rights and ethics: support dignity with private rooms, clear signage, and trauma informed design choices

Adhering to these standards safeguards accreditation and positions your organization as a leader in patient-centered care. 

Designing for compliance: from construction to furnishings 

Adaptive reuse

Convert existing structures faster by adding biophilic elements and flexible room typologies that meet JCAHO criteria. 

Materials and finishes 

Use non-glare lighting, calming color palettes, and continuous surfaces to reduce stress triggers. Install recessed shelving, concealed hinges, and rounded-edge countertops to eliminate hazards without compromising aesthetics. 

Integrating trauma informed design 

Apply a trauma informed design checklist to boost compliance and wellbeing: 

• Choice and control: offer adjustable lighting, temperature controls, and bedside privacy shades 
• Predictability: use standardized layouts and clear wayfinding to lower anxiety 
• Sensory considerations: add acoustic panels, soft textiles, and nature-inspired art for a healing atmosphere 

These strategies support the continuum of care from inpatient psychiatric units to behavioral assisted living environments. 

Levels of care & JCAHO requirements 

Different levels of care require tailored design strategies: 

Key JCAHO focus areas

Ligature resistant design, rapid egress, advanced monitoring 

Homelike environment, supervised autonomy, communal spaces

Flexible multipurpose areas, private counseling spaces 

Monitoring, maintenance, and continuous improvement 

JCAHO surveys are ongoing. Build a quality management plan that includes: 

• Routine safety audits: inspect ligature resistant products, test door hardware, review escape routes 
• Staff training: coach teams on behavioral health risks, equipment use, and emergency protocols 
• Individual feedback: collect input on care environments to guide design updates 

A robust plan keeps your facility compliant and responsive to evolving behavioral health strategies. 

Emerging trends in behavioral health design 

Stay ahead with innovations that enhance care and compliance: 

• Smart room technology: integrate environmental sensors for air quality, temperature, and movement 
• Modular and prefab construction: deploy mental health units that adapt to changing volumes 
• Biophilic and healing-by-design: maximize natural materials, daylight, and views of greenery 

By weaving these trends into your behavioral health design guide, you reinforce compliance and foster transformative patient experiences. 

Spatial layout and room typologies 

Thoughtful floor plans in behavioral health facility design help you offer levels of mental health care and behavioral health levels of care tailored to each individual’s needs. 

Semi-private layouts maximize capacity with clear sightlines and easy staff access while maintaining distinct privacy zones. 

Safety first finishes and fixtures 

Select ligature resistant products such as recessed lighting, tamper resistant door hardware, and break-away shelving to meet JCAHO behavioral health standards. Choose behavioral health furniture requirements that feature rounded corners, impact resistant materials, and fixed anchors to prevent injury. Direct Supply’s casegoods, beds, and mattresses offer tested performance to address safety concerns like entrapment risks and self-harm, without compromising comfort or functionality. Smooth, continuous wall surfaces eliminate hidden anchorage points and reduce behavioral health risks, supporting a healing by design approach. 

Lighting and technology integration 

Circadian lighting systems mimic natural daylight cycles to support sleep regulation and mood for individuals receiving care. Environmental controls at the bedside empower choice and control, a core tenet of trauma informed design principles. Integrate mental health services with smart window films and discreet nurse call panels to streamline workflows and minimize clutter, creating a truly modern mental hospital room. 

Biophilic and therapeutic elements 

Incorporate wood-look accents, stone veneers, and living green walls to bring restorative natural finishes indoors. Artwork and murals featuring nature-inspired themes reduce stress, encourage engagement, and support a therapeutic environment. Biophilic design integrated into mental health interior design has been shown to improve recovery metrics and foster a sense of calm in behavioral assisted living facilities and beyond. 

Technology enabled care 

Combine integrated nurse call and wireless monitoring systems to streamline emergency response and reduce room clutter. Smart window films provide on-demand privacy without heavy curtains or blinds, maintaining clear escape routes. These behavioral safety products support both operational efficiency and patient dignity while aligning with broader behavioral safety strategies. 

Acoustics and privacy 

Install sound-absorbing ceiling panels and acoustic wall treatments to limit noise transfer and protect confidentiality. Design deferred alcoves or quiet corners where individuals receiving care can retreat for personal reflection or one-on-one therapy. These privacy zones contribute to a supportive therapeutic environment and uphold trauma informed design principles.